Thinking of buying a work of art? Instead of spending ages trawling through the internet, why not commission an artist and then you should end up with the painting you want, in the style you like and for the price you want to pay!

Commissioning a work of art can be a daunting prospect for both the buyer and the artist. These are my top tips to  make it a really pleasurable experience. You can end up with a really special sentimental piece of art that is just perfect for your home.

Top Tips:

1. Have an idea of how much you want to spend and bear in mind the artist will have to buy materials to produce the painting and the painting may need to be framed. You might even be able to trade something in return for a painting e.g. some carpentry skills or a free holiday in a second home.
2.  Find an artist whose portfolio of work you like and can work within your price range. This involves some research and a great way to start would be looking at what your local artists can offer during an Open Studio event or a local art show. Make sure the artist is consistent with the style you like and it is not just a ‘one off’.
3. Discuss with the artist what you would like to be painted.

Things to consider:

Be clear about what you want and offer the artist clear photographs so they can clearly see what you want. You could create a pin-board of different artworks you like on pinterest, or a powerpoint and if local, invite the artist around to your house so they can see your taste and perhaps the chosen spot and measure up.

Before the artist starts, agree on an estimated price (the artist may want you to pay a non-refundable deposit) and a rough finish date (especially if it is for a special occasion).

My experience of commissions:

When I work on a commission, I like to show the painting at the half-way stage and perhaps even take it around to the house to see if I am going in the right direction. I like to see whether the colours need to be tweeked and gauge the clients reaction…

I have also commissioned artists. When my birthdays end in a ‘0’ I like to buy a piece of art. For my 50th birthday I asked local artist Abel Kesteven to draw my dog Tilly as she sits outside my studio. I’m really pleased with my unique work of art.